5 Reasons to Think Twice About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

1. 5 Reasons to Think Twice About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy DR. MARK CHERN Who Am I? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is being touted as a panacea, and research is building on its ability to treat various diseases, improve brain function, and even extend lifespan. Even amidst the hype around HBOT, it is prudent to consider situations where it could be dangerous to implement this form of treatment. I want to take this moment to discuss 5 reasons not to do hyperbaric oxygen therapy, especially if you have certain lung conditions or other risk factors.

2. My name is Dr. Mark Chern, and I am the author of this article. In this past year, I have been researching potential interventions for improving brain function as it relates to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One of the interventions I have been exploring is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which I have been experiencing and documenting in my substack articles. I use a hard case hyperbaric oxygen chamber at a pressure of 2.0 ATA. This is akin to placing myself 10 meters (or 33 feet) underwater — and then breathing in pure oxygen. Read on as we list out the 5 situations where you want to consider before embarking on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Table of Contents Who Am I? 1. Emphysema 2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 3. Post-COVID Complications 4. Cancer 5. Blood Disorders Absolute Contraindications for HBOT 1. Inability to Equalize Ear Pressure 2. Pneumothorax Wrapping Up 1. Emphysema

3. If you have mild to moderate emphysema, you might see some benefits from HBOT. But if your condition is severe, especially if you retain carbon dioxide, HBOT could be risky. This therapy can lead to oxygen toxicity in severe cases. Before considering HBOT, it’s crucial to have a chat with your pulmonologist to weigh the risks and benefits. 2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Just like with emphysema, people with mild to moderate COPD might find HBOT helpful. However, if you have significant heart failure, especially with an ejection fraction below 25%, you need to proceed with caution. It’s really important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks for you. 3. Post-COVID Complications HBOT has been a game-changer for many recovering from COVID-19, especially for those dealing with long- haul symptoms. However, if you have lung damage, like alveolar cysts that could lead to a pneumothorax, HBOT might not be safe for you. A chest X-ray is a good idea if you’re experiencing any breathing difficulties, just to make sure it’s safe to go ahead with the therapy.

4. 4. Cancer HBOT has shown promise for cancer patients, especially in reducing side effects from treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. But there’s a catch—certain chemotherapy drugs can interact with HBOT, increasing oxidative stress. If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, it’s essential to have your healthcare providers coordinate your care to ensure that HBOT is safe for you. 5. Blood Disorders If you have conditions like spherocytosis or sickle cell disease, HBOT could be a bit tricky. While the increased oxygen levels can be beneficial, the pressure during therapy could negatively affect your red blood cells. It’s best to consult with a hematologist to make sure HBOTis a safe option for you.

5. Absolute Contraindications for HBOT 1. Inability to Equalize Ear Pressure If you struggle to equalize ear pressure because of conditions like ear infections, wax buildup, or scar tissue, HBOT might not be safe for you. This could lead to severe pain during treatment. This is also why having a short first session is important, as you may only discover an issue with equalizing during the session itself. 2. Pneumothorax A pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, makes it impossible to properly equalize air pressure in your lungs during HBOT, which could result in intense chest pain. If you have this condition, HBOT is not recommended unless it’s an emergency, like a severe diving accident. Wrapping Up Even though I’m just 10 hours into my hyperbaric oxygen journey, it’s been a remarkable journey of discovery. I have gradually increased the pressure from 1.5 ATA to 1.8 ATA and will be moving next to 2.0 ATA of pressure. So far, nothing life-threatening, but I did have some side effects, as elucidated in the video below! It is important to remember that this therapy isn’t suitable for everyone, particularly those with specific lung conditions or other health concerns. Before considering HBOT, I strongly encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s the right choice for you. There are 5 reasons not to do hyperbaric oxygen therapy,

6. including potential risks for individuals with certain medical conditions. For those who can safely undergo the treatment, the benefits can be truly transformative. As always, your health and safety come first, so be sure to make informed decisions and take care of yourself. I hope you benefit from my sharing, even as you explore options for improving your health! Original Source Link:https://reversebrainage.com/reasons-not-to-do-hyperbaric-oxygen- therapy